The effect of fluoride on the human body. Lack and excess fluoride in the body

Despite the fact that fluorine as a halogen is a poisonous gas, its entry into the human body is mandatory. The state of the immune, circulatory system, bone tissue, etc. directly depends on this element. Lack of fluoride in the body provokes hair loss, the development of diseases of the oral cavity and bones. But an excess of matter is much more dangerous. Therefore, everyone should know how to find the middle ground.

What is this element

Fluorine (F) is a biogenic element, a very active non-metal, a strong oxidizing agent. In the Periodic System of Chemical Elements, D. I. Mendeleev is in group VII, in a subgroup of halogens. Reacts with metals to form salts. By nature, F is a pale yellow gas. One of the most common elements in nature.

Normally, the human body contains 2.6 grams of the substance. The daily dose for an adult is from one and a half to five milligrams. At a temperature of 188 degrees below zero Celsius, the gas condenses. After lowering to -228 degrees, it freezes, turning into a crystal. In nature, it is most common in the form of minerals. Among them, the largest proportion falls on fluorite or fluorspar (CaF ₂ ).

Impact on human health

Fluoride - what is the body needed for? It prevents tooth decay, stimulates the immune system and regulates blood circulation. In the event of a lack of this element, the doctor may prescribe nutritional supplements with its content. But the dose should be strictly normalized. Excessive amounts can weaken the immune system and adversely affect the development of the child.

The benefits of fluoride for the human body:

• removes radionuclides and salts of heavy metals;
• increases resistance to radiation;
• participates in the formation of enamel and skeleton;
• responsible for the normal growth of hair and nails;
• participates in various biochemical reactions;
• stimulates the circulatory system;
• strengthens the immune system;
• provides prevention of osteoporosis;
• prevents the appearance of caries and periodontal disease;
• slow down the work of acid-forming bacteria.
  

Excess F

Even without the use of additives, the dose of an element that people take with water, toothpaste (all manufactured toothpastes are fluoride-rich) or food may be too large. And an excess of such a substance provokes the appearance of serious health problems.

After ingestion of more than two grams of a person’s substance, it can die. When consumed more than twenty milligrams, poisoning occurs. The effect of fluoride on the human body cannot be underestimated. The main symptoms of an overdose are the following manifestations:

• lacrimation
• weakness;
• sharp numbness;
• abdominal pain;
• vomiting
• diarrhea;
• itchy skin;
• fluorosis
• bleeding gums;
• calcification;
• cramps
• osteoporosis;
• violation of the sinus rhythm of the heart;
• metabolic disease;
• pneumonia;
• bone deformation;
• hypotension;
• kidney damage
• pulmonary edema;
• damage to the central nervous system.
  

What is the danger F

The role of fluoride in the human body is very large. Studies by scientists have shown that the compounds of this element are neurotoxins - substances that adversely affect nerve cells and destroy nerve tissue. Well-known neurotoxins are alcohol and animal poisons. For example, snake venom contains components that can paralyze a victim in seconds.

The use of fluorine in an amount that exceeds the norm does not paralyze a person (at least so quickly). But fluorides reduce memory, the ability to think, provoke the appearance of problems with orientation in space, understanding, calculation, learning, speech, the ability to reason and other cognitive functions.

After a prolonged effect of fluorine on the human body, even more unpleasant consequences can occur, such as cancer, genetic DNA disorders, a decrease in IQ, lethargy, Alzheimer's disease, etc.

Fluorine ions inhibit some enzymatic reactions and bind important elements, such as phosphorus, calcium, magnesium. This leads to an imbalance in the metabolism.

People who work in the chemical industry are at risk of poisoning F. This can happen during the production of phosphate fertilizers or in the synthesis of compounds containing F. In case of poisoning, burns of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, eyes, and skin occur. In severe cases, lung and central nervous system lesions are possible. With prolonged chronic influence, diseases such as conjunctivitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, pneumosclerosis, fluorosis develop.

Shortage F

With fluoride deficiency, caries develops in the body. In addition, hair falls out, nails break, bones become less durable, and the risk of fractures increases. It is also possible the development of osteoporosis, periodontal disease.

Normal absorption of iron does not occur. This phenomenon can lead to the development of iron deficiency anemia (anemia). Symptoms of this pathology:

• malaise;
• weakness;
• fast fatiguability;
• change in the taste of food;
• dry mouth
• pinching the tongue;
• dyspnea;
• heart palpitations;
• sensation of a lump in the throat;
• the appearance of "jamming";
• dry skin
• discomfort in the vulva;
• drowsiness;
• headache;
• Dizziness
• fainting
• change in the structure of hair and nails;
• pale greenish skin.

The development of anemia is especially dangerous during pregnancy. Then there is a danger to the life of both the mother and the child.

What products contain

The main source of fluoride is drinking water. It is also found in black and green tea, walnuts, seafood, milk, eggs, onions, lentils, oatmeal, buckwheat, rice, potatoes, green leafy vegetables and beef liver.

Fluorine is a part of food in very small quantities, therefore, without consuming water, you can not get the daily rate of the element. The exception is sea fish. Fluorine-rich foods are presented in the table below.

Caries

For the prevention of caries, preparations are used with the content of compounds F. Fluorides are by nature similar to the minerals from which teeth are built. The most intense accumulation of fluoride occurs during teething. In permanent teeth there are more of them than in milk teeth. With age, the content of these compounds decreases. In this regard, older people have more problems with oral health.

A crystal lattice with fluoride incorporated in it protects the tooth from tooth decay. The compound inhibits the growth of plaque bacteria. Fluorides reduce the activity of enzymes that are involved in the formation of organic acids.

Fluorosis

With fluoride deficiency, caries develops in the body, and with its excess fluorosis. F is found in all organs and tissues of a person, but the highest concentration is in teeth and bone tissues. Fluorides, which are part of food products, are absorbed worse than soluble in water. Therefore, the main reason for the development of fluorosis is an excess of the element in drinking water.

Much depends on the individuality of each person. According to the results of studies, it was found that in areas with an excessively high content of substance in the water, people suffering from fluorosis and those in whom the oral cavity is absolutely healthy live simultaneously.

From the foregoing, we can conclude that the effect of fluorine on the human body plays a very important role.

Fluoride preparations

There are drugs in which the substance is part of mineral complexes. But there are those in which F is an independent element. Among the second - vitafluor, sodium fluoride, fluoride. All of them are used to treat caries in people of different ages. Fluorinated water, salt and other preventive products are also produced. They are prescribed for both treatment and prevention of F. deficiency.

In order to minimize the negative effect of fluorine on the human body, it is necessary to regularly carry out preventive measures among the population in areas with an increased amount of it in pipeline water.